Marsha A. Bettez

1940 - 2020

Bettez, Marsha A. (Moan),
80, of Coventry, RI After a long courageous battle with cancer, Marsha passed peacefully on Monday, December 28th at home surrounded by her loving children. She was the beloved wife of the late Roland J. Bettez, Jr. , her devoted high school sweetheart, for more than 57 years.
Daughter of the late Wallace and Blanche Moan, and sister to Arlene (Moan) Leyden and the late Richard Moan. Marsha grew up in Hope, RI where she had fond memories of her time spent with her dear life long friend Etta (Gill) Bates.
Marsha believed in family, laughter, education and hard work. Her greatest joys were her loving husband, her family and her friends. She enjoyed helping others, making people laugh and being present in people's lives . Her quick wit and "can do" attitude drew people close to her. Despite her ten plus years of illness, she did her best to continue to live every day and thrived on making people laugh. Her sense of humor truly set her apart. She also enjoyed Sunday dinners with family, traveling to her home in North Fort Meyers, Florida, weekly lunch dates with friends, and just being together.
Marsha graduated from West Warwick High School, '57 and later attended Joanne's Beauty school in Providence to become a hairdresser. In high school she was a Wizard football cheerleader where she proudly cheered for her husband "Rollie" and met her dear lifelong friend Margaret (Sinnott) Alves. Years later, she married her high school sweetheart and they were immediately stationed in Augsburg, Germany so Roland could serve in the US Army. Marsha often credited their years alone overseas for helping them establish a solid foundation for their marriage.
Marsha raised four children who she loved unconditionally. Her honest and direct approach taught her children to work hard but also to celebrate their blessings. In her younger years, she was active in all parts of their lives, whether it be as Blackrock PTA President, a Brownie Leader or coach for the Coventry Girls Softball League. Marsha empowered her children to find their talents, to value relationships and to pursue an education. She was a perpetual life coach to all of her children and anyone that would listen. Marsha and Roland faithfully supported and cheered on their children and grandchildren at every game, concert, achievement and life event.
Once all of her children were of school age, she returned to work for more than 20 years as a Teaching Assistant in the Coventry Public Schools. She felt most fulfilled in her one-on-one position where she followed her favorite student, a young boy, from elementary school through to graduation before she retired. Being artistic and crafty, Marsha also dreamed of owning her own craft store which she ultimately opened and operated in downtown Hope, "The Cinnamon House".
Marsha leaves her four loving children, Kelly DeSimone and husband John, Stacy Ferrara and husband Jay, Amy Cronin and husband Thomas , son Roland (Jay) Bettez, III and wife Michele;
sister Arlene (Moan) Leyden of Coventry, RI , seven grandchildren- Kelsey and Tyler Ferrara, Kathleen, Matthew and Bridget Cronin, Sheah Gardiner, and Caitlyn Brochu and her beloved brother and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.
Marsha's funeral will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 11:00 am in SS John & Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry to which relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private.
Marsha thoroughly enjoyed working with students with special needs and valued the work readiness skills taught by the programs at CHS. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to "The Coventry High School Transition Program" at 40 Reservoir Road, Coventry, RI 02816. Checks payable to Coventry High School/ Transition Program. For online condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com